Hoi An Ancient Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site located about 30 km southwest of Da Nang. This charming destination is more than 400 years old, offering travelers a serene escape into Vietnam’s layered past. Wander mossy-tiled streets, admire ancient architecture, and immerse yourself in vibrant lantern-lit evenings.
Expect to:
- Discover a living museum showcasing Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese cultural influences.
- Participate in traditional folk games and festivals like Bai Choi singing or the lantern-full moon festival.
- Enjoy poetic river scenes and local specialties, from lantern-making to tailor shops.
Cultural fusion is the essence here. Once a bustling trading port under the Nguyen Dynasty, Hoi An Ancient Town remains frozen in time—a place where history lives and breathes. Let’s find out with Hoianscootersrental.com through the following article.
Best Time to Visit Hoi An Ancient Town
Timing your visit can make a significant difference:
- February – April: Ideal with cool spring weather, low rainfall, and gentle sunshine—perfect for walking tours and photography.
- May – August (summer): Great weather, though May–June can get hot. Excellent time to combine your visit with snorkeling or diving trips to Cu Lao Cham islands.
- Other months: Weather is more unpredictable—check forecasts to avoid storms or floods, especially during typhoon season.
Best Time to Visit Hoi An Ancient Town
How to Get to Hoi An Ancient Town
Traveling to Hoi An Ancient Town is easy with several transport options:
By Plane
- Nearest airport: Da Nang International Airport (~30 km away).
- Flight time: About 85 minutes from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
- Booking tip: Reserve 3–6 months ahead for better fares.
By Train or Coach
- Train: Travel from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh takes 14–17 hours; tickets range from 400 000–1 800 000 VND depending on class.
- Coach/Bus: Cheaper (~400 000–500 000 VND), time around 18–20 hours. Convenient local buses also shuttle between Da Nang and Hoi An.
By Personal Vehicle
- Ideal for “phượt” enthusiasts.
- Motorcycle or car along a flat, scenic 30 km road from Da Nang.
How to Get to Hoi An Ancient Town
Getting Around Hoi An Ancient Town
Once you arrive, here are the best ways to explore:
- Motorbike (~120 000–150 000 VND/day): Maximum flexibility for alleys and sunsets by the river.
- Taxi: Good if you prefer comfort or aren’t confident on a bike.
- Cyclo (Pedicab): Memorable, classic experience from streets like Trần Phú or Phan Châu Chinh (~150 000 VND/hour).
- Bicycle (~40 000 VND/day or free via hotel): Relaxed way to discover quiet lanes.
See more: 10 Best Things to Do in Hoi An
Where to Stay in Hoi An Ancient Town
Choosing accommodation near the Old Town enhances your travel experience. Consider:
| Hotel/Resort | Highlights |
| Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An | Shell-shaped infinity pool, beach, golf, VinWonders amusement park nearby |
Ideal hotels should offer:
- Proximity to the Old Town.
- High service quality and modern amenities.
- Convenient transport access.
Where to Stay in Hoi An Ancient Town
Must‑Visit Attractions in Hoi An Ancient Town
Ancient Houses with Unique Architecture
Step into history with beautifully preserved merchant homes:
- Phung Hung Ancient House: Largest and grandest wooden house.
- Tan Ky Ancient House: A 400‑year‑old marvel blending Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese styles.
- Duc An Ancient House: Features native Quang Nam wood and antique furnishings.
Each house shows off Hoi An’s rich architecture and heritage.
Famous Ancient Assembly Halls
Explore the spiritual and communal heart of the town:
- Quang Dong Assembly Hall: Cantonese architecture, dragon/kylin carvings.
- Trieu Chau Assembly Hall (Chùa Ông Bốn): Intricate ceramic designs from folk legends.
- Phuc Kien Assembly Hall: Largest, with ornamental gardens, rockeries, and Thien Hau worship spaces.
These halls reflect Chinese-Vietnamese community ties in bygone eras.
Chùa Cầu (Bridge Pagoda)
This iconic 400‑year‑old covered bridge sits over a Thu Bon River branch. It features:
- Arched stone base, wooden pagoda with red lacquer and ornate carvings.
- A nightly glow of lanterns reflecting on the water—a classic Hoi An image.
Tran Family Chapel
An elegant private family chapel preserved for over 200 years:
- Designed with feng shui in mind, blending Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese influences.
- Includes a 1 500 m² walled garden with century‑old trees.
Hoi An Market – A Foodie Paradise
Regularly listed among the world’s best food markets. Discover:
- Affordable, authentic Vietnamese dishes.
- Lively atmosphere and local snacks.
- Great place for breakfast, lunch, or an evening stroll.
What to Eat in Hoi An Ancient Town – A Culinary Journey
Hoi An Chicken Rice (Cơm Gà Phố Hội)
Savory shredded chicken over sticky rice, fresh herbs, pickled papaya, and rich broth. Try:
- Cơm gà Bà Buội (26 Phan Châu Trinh)
- Cơm gà Bà Hương (Sica alley)
Rice Cracker with Clam Stir‑fry (Bánh Đập – Hến Xào)
Chewy rice cakes paired with stir‑fried clams and spicy salty fish sauce, priced around 15 000–50 000 VND. Try Quán bánh đập Cẩm Nam (679 Hai Bà Trưng) or Quán bánh đập Bà Già (Cẩm Nam).
Bánh Xèo Hội An (Savory Pancakes)
Crispy, golden and packed with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts. Dipped in peanut‑soy sauce. Spots like Giếng Bá Lễ and Hải Đảo are popular choices.
Rice Dumplings (Bánh Bèo Hội An)
Small steamed rice cakes with shrimp/pork toppings and scallion oil, eaten with a tiny bamboo knife. Try Bà Bảy (2 Nguyễn Thái Học) or 17 (17 Đinh Tiên Hoàng).
Corn Sweet Soup (Chè Bắp)
Simplicity is key: sweet Cam Nam corn with coconut milk drizzle, sold on Trần Phú and Lê Lợi for around 7 000 VND.
Mì Quảng & Cao Lầu
- Mì Quảng: Wide, turmeric noodles with meat, shrimp, quail eggs, rice crackers, herbs. Try ông Hai or dì Hát.
- Cao Lầu: A 17th-century specialty with chewy noodles, spiced broth. Look for Thanh, Liên, or Bà Bé’s shops on Thái Phiên and Trần Phú.
What to Buy as Souvenirs from Hoi An Ancient Town
- To He (Clay Figurines)
Colorful, nostalgic clay figures representing folk culture—fun for kids and collectors.
- Silk
Hoi An has 300 years of silk export history. Expect soft, high-quality silk with rich cultural value.
- Lamps & Lanterns
Hoi An is world-famous for its lanterns. Choose foldable ones for easy packing or handcrafted traditional lanterns.
Estimated Cost for a Self‑Guided Hoi An Ancient Town Trip
Expect around 3.5–5 million VND (~US$145–210) for a 3-day, 2-night independent trip, covering:
- Transportation (to/from Da Nang, local bikes/cyclo)
- Accommodation near the Old Town
- Delicious street food and modest dine-in meals
- Attraction entrance fees
Not included: Souvenirs, extra tours, premium lodging.
Budget tip: Look out for combo deals or hotel vouchers to reduce costs.
Estimated Cost for a Self‑Guided Hoi An Ancient Town Trip
Important Travel Tips for Hoi An Ancient Town
- Entrance tickets: Many sites require tickets—buy from the Hoi An Tourism Office.
- Morning hours: The town is peaceful and beautiful at sunrise—plan early walks!
- Peak-season booking: If visiting during Tet or full-moon lantern festival, book hotels well in advance.
- Weather caution: Rain and floods can happen—check forecasts just before your trip.
- Evening entertainment: Head to Bach Đang Pier for traditional boat music performances.
- Guided tours: Good for first-time visitors—many include food or boat extras.
Conclusion
Hoi An Ancient Town offers a timeless blend of culture, flavor, and visual beauty. With lantern-lit alleys, mouthwatering cuisine, and preserved architecture, it’s a must-visit on any Vietnam itinerary. Whether you wander ancient homes, taste local specialties, or shop silk and lanterns, you’ll leave moved by its serenity and richness. Pack your camera, appetite, and sense of wonder—and prepare for an unforgettable journey.
Ready to Explore Hoi An Your Own Way? Book a Motorbike Now!
The best way to truly experience every lantern-lit alley, riverside café, and hidden temple in Hoi An Ancient Town is on two wheels. Renting a motorbike gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace, discover local secrets, and go beyond the usual tourist paths.
- Affordable daily rates
- Easy pickup & drop-off near Old Town
- Helmets, maps & fuel included
- Support in English
Book your motorbike in advance now and start your Hoi An adventure with total freedom!